Tuesday, January 23, 2007

I'm very pleased and excited to be the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

I have always admired the rich tradition of this organization.Wayne Huizenga is an outstanding owner who is committed to winning and Dolphins fans are among the best in the NFL.I look forward to working with the rest of the staff in fielding a winning team.

It is with much respect for this game and this franchise that I look forward to building on the Miami Dolphins legacy of success.My love for the game started at an early age growing up in Durham, N.C., watching my father coach, and it grew from there.At the young age of 14, I knew I wanted to be a head coach.In high school, I played both football and basketball in Terre Haute, Ind., and then at Indiana University before a football knee injury ended my playing career.I had the good fortune to coach at Michigan for a decade, serve as quarterback coach for the Washington Redskins in 1994, return to my alma mater, IU, as head coach and join the San Diego Chargers in 2002.

Now I have the privilege to lead this prestigious franchise, one that I have admired for a long time.I know that winning is dependent not only on the players and coaches but the support staff around them, including our fans. I know how loyal our fan base is and what a great home-field advantage you have given the Dolphins for so many years. Through teamwork, hard work and your tremendous support as a season ticket holder, I am confident we will be successful.

My wife, Missy, and four children - Tommy, Danny, Christopher and Elizabeth – are excited to make the move to South Florida, taking part in this vibrant community.I look forward to seeing you soon.